Mongolian throat singers to visit Skye
A GROUP of traditional Mongolian musicians are set to land on Skye at the end of the month and are trying - through their unique traditional music - to raise awareness of the threats to their country’s habitat and culture from climate change.
Anda Union are coming to SEALL at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig as part of their 22-venue tour of the UK in a bid to raise awareness of the threats to their grasslands habitat and celebrate their unique musical culture.
The band’s fusion of Mongolian musical styles draws directly from the band’s roots in the differing ethnic nomadic cultures.
The nine members are aware of the threat climate change and modernity are posing to their ancient grasslands and Mongolian culture and are bound by a mission to promote the essence of their music.
Anda Union are accomplished singers, moving from hoomai, the guttural throat song, to the clear notes of ortinduu, long-song. They play multiple instruments, including the morin huur, the maodun chaoer, a three-holed flute, as well as Mongolian versions of the lute and mouth harp.
Mongols have a strong musical tradition that is passed down the generations. The morin huur, or horse head fiddle, pays homage to the most important animal in the Mongol culture: almost all houses have a morin huur.
Formed in 2000, the band trained in traditional Mongolian music from a young age, many coming from musical families. They are leaders in a musical movement finding inspiration in the old music. Driven to preserve an endangered way of life by keeping their music alive, as a group they hold on to the essence of Mongolian music while creating a form of music that is new.
They have influenced a generation of young Mongolians in Inner Mongolia as traditional music flourishes in the capital, Hohhot.
SEALL creative director Duncan MacInnes said: ‘This visit is a major coup for SEALL. We are almost the only community space the group is visiting in its 22-venue tour of the UK and we are delighted to have secured them for a performance on Skye.
‘We believe it is important to present world music to our audiences to complement our programme of theatre, dance, trad music, comedy and children’s shows.
‘Anda Union is part of a musical movement that is finding inspiration in their country’s old and forgotten songs. They are committed to keeping Mongolia’s cultural heritage alive and relevant to the 21st century.
‘We are delighted to be hosting them in what is going to be a great concert and hope the people of Skye will come out and support them on the night.’
Anda Union come to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, TDC main hall, tonight (Thursday May 31) at 7.30pm.
There will be a workshop at the venue at 2pm where participants can learn, among other things, the unique style of traditional Mongolian throat singing.
Further information and tickets from www.seall.co.uk.